Free Arms of an Angel by Linda Boulanger Page B

surprise.
    “ The night I took your table
at the restaurant… that was to be my last meal. I’d planned to
indulge then go home and end it all, because I hated who I’d
become. But you made me give my word that we’d share Sunday
brunch.”
    “ I remember. I asked if you
were truly a woman of your word. I’d been afraid to let you go that
night…” Realization lit his face. “Claire, when I talked to Chloe
that evening before leaving for my date she said the strangest
thing. She told me to say hi to her mommy for her. I laughed and
brushed it off as silly kid talk. Boy! I really need to quit
brushing things off.”
    Quiet laughter echoed from them both as each
retreated into reflective thought.
    “ What is this place?” Claire
asked as they again passed by a grand gated entrance with a big for
sale sign on it. It had caught her attention on the way up as well
though her anger had made her refuse to ask.
    “ It’s an old boarding
stable. It needs some work but it’s a great place with solid bones.
My dad had dreams of buying it and running it after
retirement.”
    “ Why didn’t he?” Claire
wondered aloud.
    “ He gave up his dream for a
new one. They knew I’d need help with Chloe, so he took early
retirement and put their investment into the farm and living so
they could take care of her. He’s told me time and again she’s the
joy of their old age and the sacrifice has been well worth
it.”
    “ What will they do once you
take her? Do you think he’ll buy it then?” she pressed.
    Garrett shook his head. “I don’t think they
have the means now. Early retirement took its toll. Then the
purchase of the farm. He’s figured everything out to where they’ll
live okay, though not extravagantly. Perhaps a trip or two. But
certainly no horse ranches.”
    “ Hmmm,” was all she answered
as they lapsed into easy silence, each again with inner
thoughts.
    “ Garrett? Are you tied to
having your practice in the city? I mean, I assume you want to
continue working in some capacity, although you do realize you
wouldn’t have to.”
    He didn’t know what she was saying, but it
was obvious the wheels were turning in her pretty head. “What are
you saying, Claire? I’m not sure I’m following at all… ”
    She laughed. Her eyes were filled with
excitement and anticipation.
    “ Something tells me you’re
hatching a plan. I’m also pretty sure life with you is going to
keep me on my toes.” They both laughed as she ran her idea by him.
His eyes were shining as brightly as hers when she
finished.
     
    * * * * *
     
    “ What time is it?” Claire
asked as they neared her building.
    Garrett looked at his watch, both seemed
oblivious to the clock in the car dash. “A little before 5:00.
Why?”
    “ Keep going. I want you to
meet someone. The old artist I was telling you about.”
    Garrett looked skeptical.
    Please, Claire thought, let me run with my
dream. Please don’t begin to tell me all the reasons it can’t be
done. Don’t dash my hopes. Please…
    Garrett shrugged. “You sure he won’t mind?
Does he close at 5:00?”
    “ For us he’ll be open, and
it’s only a couple blocks down.” She leaned over and kissed his
cheek.
    “ What’s that for?” he
chuckled.
    “ For not saying no. For
letting me dream.”
    “ It’s a nice dream, Claire.
I like the idea of dreaming it with you.”
    She beamed, elated as she’d never been in her
life. Acceptance was a wonderful feeling.
    “ Garrett! Stop. Pull in
there.” She pointed to an empty parking space. They almost missed
it.
    “ Claire.” He grabbed her arm
before she could bound out of the car. “We walk forward as a team,
okay? To make our lives work together we have to do that. It
doesn’t mean we’ll always agree, but we have to be willing to see
the other’s side in all matters. Don’t ever be afraid to bring them
up. I need you to remember, you have to believe your ideas and
dreams are just as important as mine. That may mean